Free-Motion Machine Embroidery

Go beyond automated embroidery designs. Let Terry White teach you how to free-motion embroider on either a sewing or embroidery machine.

Ready for some "outside the box" embroidery? Create artistic and fun designs using any type of machine! Terry White forgoes the automated approach and teaches you a variety of techniques in free-motion stitching. Learn how to maneuver your hoop to make smooth contours, seed stitches and painterly fills to add exciting textures to your projects. Learn basic stitches on four practice pieces and carry those skills into your main project: "The Painted Bird."

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Getting Started

Meet Terry White and get started preparing your pattern for embroidering.

18:02

Lesson 2. Setting Up Your Machine

Learn how to set up your machine from the bobbin to the feed teeth and presser foot. Learn about thread delivery and basic machine settings.

37:07

Lesson 3. Beginning to Stitch

Learn how to create a smooth contour stitch and work with variegated color changes. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot and begin your stitching.

21:40

Lesson 4. Seed Stitch & Painterly Fill Stitch

Get an overview of stitches and an in-depth look at seed stitch and painterly fill stitch.

29:00

Lesson 5. Painted Bird Detail

Embroider your painted bird, from the tail to neck. You'll also get an overview of the padded satin stitch.

22:36

Lesson 6. Using Rayon Thread & the Scallop Pattern

Introduce yourself to rayon thread and stitching with two threads, then work in a scallop pattern.

25:49

Lesson 7. Springy Flowers Project

Learn how to manage your imperfections, work in a french knot and use negative space in the springy flowers project.

22:20

Lesson 8. Quilt Like a Thread Painter

Finish your piece by learning how to quilt it and get a gallery view of Terry's beautiful work.

This is an awesome class, Terry is clear and concise with her instruction. I can't wait to incorporate this technique into my other art pieces. Thank you so much Terry for presenting this class. - skittles620

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Lesson 1. Getting Started

Meet Terry White and get started preparing your pattern for embroidering.

18:02

Lesson 2. Setting Up Your Machine

Learn how to set up your machine from the bobbin to the feed teeth and presser foot. Learn about thread delivery and basic machine settings.

37:07

Lesson 3. Beginning to Stitch

Learn how to create a smooth contour stitch and work with variegated color changes. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot and begin your stitching.

21:40

Lesson 4. Seed Stitch & Painterly Fill Stitch

Get an overview of stitches and an in-depth look at seed stitch and painterly fill stitch.

29:00

Lesson 5. Painted Bird Detail

Embroider your painted bird, from the tail to neck. You'll also get an overview of the padded satin stitch.

22:36

Lesson 6. Using Rayon Thread & the Scallop Pattern

Introduce yourself to rayon thread and stitching with two threads, then work in a scallop pattern.

25:49

Lesson 7. Springy Flowers Project

Learn how to manage your imperfections, work in a french knot and use negative space in the springy flowers project.

22:20

Lesson 8. Quilt Like a Thread Painter

Finish your piece by learning how to quilt it and get a gallery view of Terry's beautiful work.

The instructor

Terry White, Instructor of Free-Motion Machine Embroidery

Studio fiber artist and instructor Terry White has written multiple books on embroidery, including Thread Painting Made Easy and All Beaded Up by Machine.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(23 reviews)

Fantastic Class

by wml2005 on February 28, 2015

Best class on Craftsy. Highly recommend.

Best class on Craftsy. Highly recommend.

My First Craftsy Class

by j.weiland1983481 on January 10, 2015

This was my first Craftsy class and my first class with Terry. Terry works at just the right pace and is a very good teacher. She has such a calming, assuring voice that led me along through every chapter. I've finished the class and my project is about half done. It is such a comfort to know that I can go back at any time and listen again. Thank you Terry!

This was my first Craftsy class and my first class with Terry. Terry works at just the right pace and is a very good teacher. She has such a calming, assuring voice that led me along through every chapter. I've finished the class and my project is about half done. It is such a comfort to know that I can go back at any time and listen again. Thank you Terry!

Love this class!

by mjwest58 on December 8, 2014

I've never done any quilting or free motion embroidery before but I've already finished two projects of my own and I haven't even finished the class yet. I look forward to every minute with Terry! What a great teacher and I love her sense of humor. I have taken many Craftsy classes and I've enjoyed them all. But this is the first class that I've jumped into a project within the first hour of lessons. Thank you Terry.

I've never done any quilting or free motion embroidery before but I've already finished two projects of my own and I haven't even finished the class yet. I look forward to every minute with Terry! What a great teacher and I love her sense of humor. I have taken many Craftsy classes and I've enjoyed them all. But this is the first class that I've jumped into a project within the first hour of lessons. Thank you Terry.

Starting Thread Painting

by lynquine1190946 on October 14, 2014

I have watched the first 2 lessons, found it very interesting and easy to follow. I have been sewing for many years, but I have learnt a lot from these 2 lessons, especially about tension.

I have watched the first 2 lessons, found it very interesting and easy to follow. I have been sewing for many years, but I have learnt a lot from these 2 lessons, especially about tension.

Free Motion

by j.leonard4823370 on September 24, 2014

Really enjoying this class, very interesting ,learnt lots of tips so I will soon have to get started on the projects. This class is suitable for anyone interested in having a go at free machine embroidery.

Really enjoying this class, very interesting ,learnt lots of tips so I will soon have to get started on the projects. This class is suitable for anyone interested in having a go at free machine embroidery.

Yes! This class is designed to elevate your embroidery skill, whether you are just learning free-motion embroidery or have been doing it for years. Terry will guide you through the step-by-step process and provides easy-to-follow patterns for your convenience.